Environmental features and resistance to the anthropogenic load of coniferous introducents in the central part of Ukraine

Iryna Ivashchenko, Svitlana Adamenko

Abstract

The current state of coniferous introduced plants growing on the territory of Uman, Cherkasy region is analyzed. Such representatives are the multi-age trees Pinus nigra and Thuja plicata. The studies were aimed at determining their resistance to arid environmental conditions in summer and to adverse factors in the winter period with generally accepted methods. Studies were conducted during 2015-2017. P.nigra trees during the study period received high drought tolerance scores. In Th. plicata plants observed a partial loss of needles turgor during daylight hours. When evaluating the frost resistance, P. nigra trees of different ages did not have visible damage. Young plants Th. plicata were somewhat more vulnerable to the effects of low temperatures, while no damage was found in mature trees.

In general, both species have rather high rates of winter hardiness and drought resistance. This indicates their acclimatization to the given growing conditions. Also, the studied plants tolerate the adverse conditions of the city: dust, smoke, soil compaction. Therefore, it is advisable to use them for landscaping urban areas and personal plots. A feature of these species is that they retain a high decorative effect throughout the year and are good components for creating landscape compositions.

Comparing the conditions of the natural distribution range to the conditions of the cultural areas of the studied species, it is possible to state their successful cultivation, which indicates a high ecological plasticity and significant potential of these plants